Coal-mining machine



R. PEALE COAL MINING MACHINE Dec. 29, 1925' 4 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed July 29, 1918 .INVENTOI? I M ATTOH srs Dec. 29 t 1925- R. PEALE COAL MINING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 29, 1918 l INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Dec. 29, 1925 R. PEALE COAL MINING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1918 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 29, 1925 R. PEALE COAL MINING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1918 4 Sheets-Shgt 4 Q fi b.'-.b\'\ri mum k g Q Q 'Q b 53 Q N N a; '0 i I Q I i. 3 a 1 g, un E 70/? ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 29, 1925.

i UNlTED "tICI-LARD PEALE, OF ST. BENEDICT, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO REMBRANDT PEALE, OF ST. BENEDICT, ZPENNSYLVANIA.

COALJEINING MACHINE.

Application filed July 29, 1918.

To all whom it may concem:

Be it known that l, Riemann PEALE, a citizen of the lnited States, residin at St. Benedict, in the county of Gambria and .State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Uoalltlining lllachines, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to coal mining machines and more particularly to a novel machine for working in relatively soft coals, and which is also adapted to work in rela tively thin veins and in veins of different thicknesses, and having general adaptability to the different kinds of mining work.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in pahe einafter, and in partwill be obvious herefroni or may be ascertained through practice with the invention.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and in'iproveinents herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, herein referred to and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles thereof.

()n the drawings:

1 is a side elevation, with a part of the botton'i; frame broken away, and with parts in section, of a machine embodying the invention;

2 a top plan corresponding to Fig.

l, but with parts broken away and with parts in section;

Fig. front elevation looking at Figs. 1 and 2 from the left;

Fig. is a fragmentary detail of a flexible cutter;

Fig. is a section, on an enlarged scale, on line 5---5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. (5 a detached and somewhat dia- ,L-iillilllltlC plan of another form of corn veyor especially adapted for very thin coal .sectnn showing two on the driving fragmentary detail, partly in Serial No. 247,212.

shaftfor the side cutters, whereby one cutter may be driven alone;

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary transverse section, taken on the line l()].0 of Fig. 2, with parts omitted for the sake of clearness.

The machine of my invention is adapted for practically all kinds of mine work, being: capable of entry or gangway driving or excavating and also being capable of both room and long wall work. In certain aspects, the machine is especially designed for work in coal which is relatively soft or friable, or which has well defined vertical cleavage planes, whereby the coal is caused to br alt oil into fragments and to fall down of its own weight as the machine advances, and is not completely out off by the machine as is the case with some other kinds of mining' machines. With my invention there is no need of completely cutting the coal free from the vein, thereby avoiding much work and much breakage of the coal. Nor is there need of an intermediate conveying or transferring device for the coal betweenthe dislodging'or breaking off mechanism, and the usual conveyor, as the forward travel of the entire machine effects this without the necessity of providing any special means or mechanism therefor.

Means are provided by the invention for cutting in the coal a horizontal kerf at the top of the vein, and another horizontal kerf at the bottom of the vein, and cooperating therewith separate means for'cutting vertial kerfs connecting the kerfs at the top and bottom of the vein. The body of coal thus partially detached or defined that is, cut around by the kerf cutters, will of its own weight then disintegrate in fragments of a desirable size, easy for handling but without undesirable and wasteful pulvcrizing, and will fall downwardly within the machine. 'l he machine thus takes advantage of the natural cleavage faces or planes and the soft nature of the coal to avoid much of the mechanical work of cutting and undue breaku The broken and fallen coal is pushed on to an internally located conveyor by the advancing movement of the machine, which -lll0\'i\ll1l; also keeps the cutters to their work in the kerfs. Other features of the invention will be pointed out hereinafter, or will be apparent herefroin. Not only is the machine adaptable to entry 01: gangway 7 both sides of the platform 2.

work and to room or long wall work, but it leaves behind flat vertical walls, and takes out clean at one operation all the coal from the bottom to the top of the vein.

Referring in detail to the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example one embodiment of the invention, a carriage 1 is provided comprising a flat base plate or platform 2, which platform is provided with power means for traveling it forwardly and backwar ly, and at its forward end supports, preferably in fixed position the cutter supporting and guiding frames. The embodied form of traveling means comprises a caterpillar or other endless tread 3 arranged longitudinally beneath the platform 2, to support and to travel the machine, the tread being protected by the platform.

Mounted on platform 2 is a motor at, which in the present embodiment furnishes all the power for driving the difierent parts of the machine as well as for traveling the machine itself. I accomplish this mounting of the motor by means of brackets 4 and a fastened to the motor and to the frames 61 and 62, respectively, which are fixed to and extend upwardly from the platform 2 as later described. The drive for the endless tread comprises a worm or helical gear 5 on the shaft 6 of the motor 4, with which gear meshes a corresponding gear 7 on a shaft 8. On shaft 8 is a worm 9, with which meshes a worm gear 10 on a vertical shaft 11, journaled in the machine frame. Shaft 11 has a bevel gear 12 with which meshes a bevel gear 13 fixed on shaft 14 of roller 15. Shaft 14 is journaled in bearings on the bot tom side of platform 2, and its roller 15 serves to drive the tread 3.

At its other end the endless tread 3 passes about a guiding roller 16, the shaft 17 of which is journaled in the machine frame or in brackets on the carriage platform 2. A suitable clutch 18 is provided on shaft 8 to throw out the drive if it is desired to run the motor and keep the machine stationary.

In the embodied form, the kerf cutters are in fixed relation to the machine, that is they have no necessary travel or movement relatively to.the machine in doing their work, but in the present preferred form the cut ters are advanced through the coal by the forward travel of the machine.

As embodied, a bottom kerf cutter is pro vided comprising a rigid guide frame with side reaches which extend forwardly from At its front the guide frame has a straight cross reach 26 and at the back a corresponding cross reach 24. Running in the guideway formed by the reaches 24, 25 and 26 is a flexible cutter 27 having links 28 and cutting teeth 29 set at diiferent angles therein in a wellknown manner, whereby the kerf is out ciently wide to provide clearance for the guide frame 25 to pass into the kerf. In detail the guide-frame may have side plates 30 and 31 with lips 32 and 33, respectively, to hold and guide links 28. Spacing and backing blocks 34 and 36 are provided at the back, having bolts and 37 or other suitable fastening means.

The embodied form of driving means for the bottom kerf cutter comprises a bevel gear 40 on the forward end of the shaft 6 of motor l (this mechanism also driving other parts). Meshing with gear 40 is a bevel gear 41, which gear is loose on a shaft 42, arranged across the machine and journaled in bearings 46. Fixed to the gear i-1 is a clutch member a3, and a cooperating clutch member 4 f is keyed by; a key to rotate with, while slidable along, shaft 4-2. On shaft 42 is fixed a bevel gear 52, with which meshes a bevel gear 53, the gear 53 being fixed on a vertically disposed shaft 54, which shaft is journaled on the machine frame.

Fixed on shaft 54 is a sprocketwheel 55, which engages with and drives the endless flexible cutter 28. Idler sprockets 63 and 64 are provided at the forward end at the juncture of the side reaches with the front cross reach of the cutter guide. A similar driving mechanism for the cutter is preferably provided at the opposite end of shaft 42, and is so shown, but need not be described in further detail.

Cooperating with the bottom kerf cutter is a top kerf cutter, which is substantially in vertical alinement above the bottom outter and the construction of which may be substantially the same as the bottom cutter and need not be described in further detail. In accordance with one feature of the invention, the top cutter may be raised and lowered to work in veins of different thicknesses, and by such change in level, the ma chine is able at one operation and at one advance of the machine to entirely out about all the coal between the top and bottom of the vein. As embodied, the rigid guide frame 56 for the endless flexible cutter 57 at the rear part of its side reaches and along the back cross reach 58 is fixed to and supported upon a frame 59, extending along underneath the guide frame 56. Forwardly extending brackets 60 may also be used to further support the side guide frames. Each side frame 59 is supported by, but is vertically movable with respect to, frames 61 and 62 fixed to and extending upwardly from the platform 2 at each side thereof.

To provide for changing the height of the top cutter, as embodied, the side frames 59 are each provided with downwardly projecting legs 65 and 66, working in guide ways in the bottom frame plate 61. Each frame 59 has similar legs 67 and 68, working in like guideways in the bottom frame 62. The legs 65-68 are provided with suitready described.

able fastening devices to hold the top frame atthe desired level, and as embodied, each leg has spaced apart holes therein, through which may pass bolts 69, which also pass through holes in the respective bottom plates 61 and 62, to support the top cutter at the desired height.

Means are provided for driving the top kerf cutter, and in the present eniliiodiment, such driving means are combined with the means or devices for raising and lowering the top frame, cooperating with the adjustable or positionable legs 65-68 already described. In such embodied form there is provided at each side or rear corners of the top kerf cutter frame a vertically disposed shaft 75, which may be alike in structure and connections, and dc 'cription of one shaft will sutiice for both. Phaft is journaled in hearings in a bracket 76 carried upon the machine frame, a collar 78 holding the shaft 75 in longitudinal position with respect to its bearings 76; The shaft 75, for the purpose of driving the top cutter, is provided at its bottom end with a beveled gear 77, which gear meshes with a beveled gear 52, on shaft l2, already described. At its upper end, shaft 75 is iournaled in the frame plate 59, already described, the shaft being longitudinally extensible and contractable to accommodate the changes in height of the top cutter frame. To drive the top cutter 57, shaft 75 is provided at its upper end with a driving:- sprocket wheel 80, meshlIlQ with the endless flexible cutter 5'7, al-

The upper portion of the saaft is kept from longitudinal displacement in suitable manner, as by the hub of the sprocket wheel 80 bearing on a journal support in the plate 59.

Referring now to the means for lengthening' and shortening the driving shaft T5, the shaft is centrally or intermediately divided into two parts, the lower cart having an internal screw thread 81 and the upper part having an internal screw thread 82, one of these screw threads being: left-handed and the other being right-handed. Screwed into the interior of the two parts of the shaft 75 is a screw threaded rod 83, provided at or near its center with a solid nut or turning head Sit. Jam nuts 85 and 86 are threaded on th screw rod 83, to be jammed against both ends of the separated shaft 75 to lock the parts in position. By turning the solid nuts S lon each shaft 75, the upper kerf cutter frame is raised or lowered as desired.

Means are provincd for maintaining the shaft 75 integral or fixed throughoutduring the driving; of the cutters, but permitting of the screw movement between the parts of the shaft to effect changes in elevation. is embodied, keys 8'? and 88 are provided for the-two parts, respectively, of the shaft 75,

these keys fitting into a slot in the shaft and entering a longitudinal groove in the .crcw shaft 83. These hold the parts fixed for driving, but are removed preparatory to screwing the shaft to make it longer or shorter. Thus when the keys ST ant 88 are removed, the screw rod 83 may be turned by means of the head 8% in either direction to raise or lo er the top cutter and its frai'ne. When the proper height is reached, the keys ST and 88 are inserted in their slots, and pass into the grooves in the shaft 83. Jam nuts 85 and 86 are screwed against the ads of the two parts of the shaft 75, and the shaft is then solid to rotate and drive the cutter.

A similar driving and lifting and lower ing mechanism is provided at the opposite side of the machine, which may be the same or similar in construction, and need not be described in further detail.

Means are provided for making in the veins of coal vertical kerfs or cuts connecting the horizontal top and bottom kerfs or cuts, either at one or both sides, or substantially connecting them, so that the coal ineluded between the kerfs or cuts will progressively and continuously break off and fall of its own weight without being cut away from the vein at the back. on breaking away from the vein falls within the machine, and mechanism is provided for conveying the dislodged and broken coal backwardly as the machine advances and as the cutting progresses into the vein. In soft or friable coal, the coal breaks readily of its own weight, and this is likewise true of somewhat harder coal having; well defined planes or faces of vertical cleavage. In entry work, and in some room or breast work, both side cutters will be employed, while in other room, entry, or breast work, and in lonn=wall work, but one side or vertical cutter need be used' In accordance with one feature of the invention, the side kcrf cutters are made ver tically extensible and contractable for veins of different thicknesses, to enable the side cuts to reach the top horizontal cut or kerf irrespective of variations in the height of the top cutter. In the mbodied form. the sidicutters are provided with rigid guide frames for their respective endless flexible waiters, each of said frames having; a s1 ationu y bottom reach 93, and a verlicle reach ill integral therewith or lived thereto.

T he reaches 93 are bolted on to the 'UI'l'L'i-S ponding; side plates (31. and near their rear ends have preferably also supports or bearings, respectively, from the platform $3. do inclined reach of each guide is fixed to and supported by a bracket 96, which brack ct is journaled on the shaft 42. The reaches and 935 are in vertical alinement at their rear ends to provide a continuous guide for Th e coal the flexible cutter, and are provided with angular clearance at their juncture so that the bracket 96 may be swung upwardly and downwardly.

he reach at its forward end is adapted to receive extension pieces 97, which are interchangeable one with another but of different lengths, and the vertical reach 94: is adapted to take at its top end extensible sections 98, likewise interchangeable and of different lengths. The backing member 36 (Fig. 5) in the forward end of each of the reaches 95 and 9a, is cut short or deter mined, and the corresponding member of the various sized extensions 97 and 98 have their members 36 of extra length the member 34 on one part and the member 36 on the other part overlapping, and the bolts 37 in such case holdingthem together. The upper forward turn of the vertical flexible cutter is provided for by a member having an idler sprocket, the shaft of which is shown at 109, over which sprocket the cutter runs. The sprocket carrying member has two pivoted parts 101 and 102, shaped to open and close angularly, to conform to the angular separation of the reaches 93 and 95 of the conveyor guide. The extension pieces 97 and 98 are attachable to and detachable from the corner piece 101, 102 in the manner already described for the members 94 and 95. The side cutters are driven from the rear end and for this purpose the flexible cutters 103 mesh with a sprocket 10 1 fixed on the shaft 42.

The side kerf cutters at each side may be substantially the same in construction and the description need not be duplicated. The clutch mechanism 43, 44 may be duplicated or, as shown in Fig. 9, to provide for running one side or vertical cutter without the other when desired, or the flexible cutter may be taken off from one side when not required in the operation of the machine. In practical work the change in elevation and in the operation of the cutters are relatively infrequent, as such machines are usually employed for long periods upon the same kind of work.

Referring now to the means for conveying away the dislodged and broken coal, in the present preferred embodiment. a platform 11.0 is provided within the frame of the lower horizontal cutter, which platform may be carried upon a roller or other support 111. Communicating backwardly from the platform is an endless belt conveyor 112, shown in Fig. 1 (omitted from Fig. 2 for clearness) as passing rearwardly through the central part of the machine and over the motor casing 4. At its forward end the conveyor runs over a guiding roller 113, and at its rear end over a driving roll.- er 114, journaled in brackets 119' and supported on the motor casing. The conveyor may be provided with one or more sets of guiding and suppor ing rollers 115 and 116. In the embodied form of drive, a worm wheel 11'. meshes with a worm 5 on the motor shaft 6. The worm Wheel 117 is fixed upon a shaft 118, journaled in the brackets 119 and 120, already referred to. The shaft 118 is provided with a clutch 121 for controlling the operation of the conveyor.

A second reach of the conveyor may extend b-ackwardly and the forward guiding and driving roll therefor is indicated by 122 in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 6 of the drawing an arrangement of conveyors is shown, the showing being largely diagrammatic, where the dislodged and broken coal is fed out sidewise. In this form the forward reach of the conveyor 125 is located within the cutters in the position of the platform 110. The conveyor 126 is located at the side of the machine, the coal being fed out transversely and obliquely by means of a baffle plate 127. A pivotally mounted reach 129 of the conveyor leads to the car 130. This form of conveyor will be found useful in low veins, tliat is veins of small thickness where there is not sufficient space for the conveyor and the coal thereon to pass over the top of the motor casing. To provide clearance above the conveyor belts 125 and 126 for the coal, the reach 93 of the vertical cutter guide may be removed or other suitable provision made and a bridge plate 131 may be employed between the conveyors 125 and 126/ The machine will thus operate in veins of widely different thicknesses and will work in very thin veins, and will always out kerfs close to the top and bottom, with clean vertical cuts at the side. The machine is also capable of doing the opening up work, that is, cutting out entries'and gangways, and will also make the leading cuts for room or breast work and for long-wall work as well. It will equally readily do the following up work with a loose end or open side, either in room work, entry work, or longwall work. The whole weight and momentum'of the machine is employed to hold the is cutters to the work, and it is not required to fasten the machine to the walls or top or bottom. The machine is also readily and rapidly shiftable by its own power from place to place in the work. For shifting the machine sidewise a Windlass or drum 135 is formed on shaft 6 of the motor. A hook may be placed over the bottom frame forwardly and a pulley block rigged on a post or block, and a rope run from the hook through the block and about the drum 135 and the machine drawn sidewise sliding along the tread 3 to the desired place. The machine is run backwardly or forwardly by reversing the direction of the tread 3 by lli) reversing the motor or in other suitable or convenient manner.

The invention in its broader aspects not limited to the details of construction shown and described, but changes may be made therefrom without. departing from, the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

Vi at I claim is y 1. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top chain kerf cutter, a horizontal bottom chain kerf cutter, vertical chain lzerf cutters at either side, a platform extending rearwardly of the cutter chain frames, a motor mounted on said platform, a caterpillar tread for traveling the machine, located at the rear of the machine beneath the platform and of less Width than the cutters, and driving connections from the motor to said cutters and to said tread.

2. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top chain kerf cutter, a horizontal bottom chain kerf cutter, vertical chain kerf cutters at either side, a platform extending rearn-ardly of the cutter chain frames, a motor mounted on said platform, a, caterpillar tread for traveling the machine, located at the rear of the machine beneath the platform and of less width than the cutters, said tread terminating near the rear of the bottom cutter chain, and a conveyor for the dislodged coal, with its forward end in advance of the caterpillar tread and at substantially the level of the bottom kerf cutter, and extending rearwardly and upWardy through the machine.

3. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top, chain kerf cutter, a horizontal bottom chain kerf cutter vertical chain kerf cutters at either side, a platform extending rearwardly of the cutter chain frames, a motor mounted on said platform, a caterpillar tread for traveling the, machine, located at the rear of the machine beneath the platform and of less width than the cutters, said tread terminating nearthe rear of the bottom cutter chain, and a conveyor for the dislodged coal, with its forward end in advance of the caterpillar tread and at substantially the level of the bottom kerf cutter, and extending rear- Wardy and upwardly through the machine, and a platform Within the bottom kerf cutter frame and in front of the forward end of said conveyor.

i. A coal mining machine including in combination a top kc f cutter, a bottom kerf cutter, means for varying the distance between said cutters for veins of different sizes, vertical kerf cutters at each side and a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit varying the length of cut of the side cutters to suhstam tial y connect the top and bottom lrerfs to permit the coal to break off and fall.

5. A coal mining machine including in combination a top kerf cutter, a bottom kerf cutter, means for varying the distance between said cutters for veins of different sizes, verti a1 kerf cutters at each side and cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit varying the length of cut of the side cutters to substantially connect the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break oil and fall, and means for driving the cutters.

(i. A coal mining machine including in combination a top kerf cutter, a bottom kerf cutter, means for varying the distance be tween said cutters for veins of different sizes, vertical kerf cutters at each side,-a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefore to permit varying the length of cut of the side cutters to substantially connect the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break off and fall, means for driving the cutters and for advancing the machine to keep the cutters to the work.

7. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage traveling on the mine bottom, a bottom kerf cutter mounted on the carriage and extending forwardly, a top kerf cutter mounted on the carriage and extending forwardly substantially in line with the bottom cutter, and means for raising and lowering the top kerf cutter to operate at the top of veins of different thicknesses, and means for making a ver ica side kerf of varying length so as to sub stantially connect the top and bottom cuts to permit the coal to break off and fall.

8. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top chain cutter, a horizontal bottom chain cutter, vertically disposed chain cutters at either side of the top and bottom cutters, said cutters being mounted in fixed relation longitudinally of the machine, means for vertically raising and lowering the top lterf cutter to operate at the top of veins of different thicknesses, the side chain cutters being extensible and contractible to correspond to the vertical changes in height of the top cutter.

9. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top chain kerf cutter, a horizontal bottom chain kerf cutter, vertical chain kerf cutters at either side, a platform extending rearwardly of the cutter chain frames, a motor mounted on said platform, a caterpillar tread located Within the Width of the cutter guide frames, beneath the platform and at the rear of the machine, and of less width than the cutters, and driving connections from the motor to the cutters and the tread.

10. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, means frict-ionally engaging directly with and thereby traveling the carriz ,e over the mine bottom. a motor on the carriage, mechanism mounted on the carriage including a plurality of endless cutter chains for cutting a horizontal top k rzt, a bot-tom'kerf, and'a side kerf ahead of the carriage, the side kerf cutting mechanism being in fixed relation longitudinally of the machine, to permit the coal to break olf and fall, and connections from the motor for simultaneously driving the cutters and traveling the carriage forward as the cutting advances.

11. A coal mining machine including in coul'iination a carriage, means frictionally engaging directly with and thereby travel.- ing the carriage over the mine bottom, a motor on the carriage, mechanism mounted on the c: riage including a plurality of endless cutter chains for cutting a horizontal top kerf, a bottom kerf, and a side kcrf ahead of the carriage, the side kerf cutting mechanism being in fixed relation longitudinally of the machine to permit the coal to break oil and fall, and connections from the motor. for simultaneously driving the cutters and traveling the carriage forward as the cutting advances, and a conveyor located Within the space bounded by the cutters and driven by the motor to move the broken off coal backwardly.

12. A coal mining machine including in combination an endless chain horizontal top kerf cutter, an endless chain horizontal bottom kcrf cutter in substantial vertical alinement, an endless chain vertical cutting means With its cutting reach substantially in alinement With the top and bottom kerf cutting reaches, and substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break off and fall, all said chains having cutting reaches to cut a kerf, the cutting reaches of the chains being maintained in substantially the same vertical plane at the front of the machine, and means for simultaneously driving the cutters and advancing the machine.

l3. A coal mining machine including in combination an endless horizontal top kerf cutter, an endless horizontal bottom kerf cutter in substantial vertical alincuient, endless vertical cutting means substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break off and fall, means for simultaneously driving the cutters and advancing the machine, a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit varying the height of the top outter, and means for correspondingly extending the vertical cutting means for veins of diiferent thicknesses.

14. A coal mining machine including in combination a top kerf endless chain cutter, a bottom kerf endless chain cutter, means for cutting a vertical kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the core to break, and means for traveling the machine forward as it cuts, a platform back of the bottom cutter to receive the coal as it breaks off and falls, and a rearWardly extending conveyor located behind and receiving the coal from the platform, the coal being forced thereonto by the forward travel of the machine.

15. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, endless chain cutters including horizontally disposed top and bottom chain cutters, at the front of the carriage in fixed relation thereto, the cutters permitting the coal to break off from the vein, and a conveyor on the carriage leading backwardly therefrom, means frictionally engaging directly with the mine bottom for driving the cutters and for traveling the carriage fo-rwardly'to keep the cutters to the Work and for forcing the fallen and broken coal on to the conveyor.

16. A coal mining machine including in combination an endless flexible horizontal top kerf cutter, an endless flexible horizontal bottom kerf cutter in substantial vertical alinement, and endless flexible vertical cutting means substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break off and fall, the bottom and side outter means being in fixed relation in substantially the same vertical plane at the front of the machine, and means for simultaneously driving the cutters and advancing the machine.

17. A coal mining machine including in combination an endless flexible horizontal top kerf cutter, an endless flexible horizontal bottom kerf cutter in substantial vertical alinement, endless flexible vertical cutting means substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break off and fall and means for imultaneously driving the cutters and advancing the machine, a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permitvarying the height of the top cutter, and means for correspondingly extending the rertical cutting means for veins of different thickness.

18. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, a bottom and top endless chain kerf cutter at the front of the carriage, vertical kerf cutting means at one side of the top and bottom cutters, and substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break off and to fall, the front of the side cutter being fixed in substantially the same vertical plane as the-top and bottom cutters, means for driving the machine to its Work, a traction tread and means on the carriage for sin'iultaneously driving the cutters and the tread.

19. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage located beneath, Within and at the rear of the machine, a caterpillar tread for the carriage, a. bottom and a top endless chain kerf cutter at the front of IOU the carriage, vertical kert cuttin means substantially connecting the top and bottom lieris to permit the coal to break off and to fall, a conveyor on the carriage extending from near the bottom cutter for conveying away the fallen coal, and means on' the can riage for simultaneously driving the cutters, conveyor and the tread.

20. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage located beneath, within and at the rear oi the machine, a caterpillar tread for the carriage frictionally engaging directly with the mine bottom, a bottom and a top endless chain kertt cutte a the front of the carriage and in lixed relation thereto, vertical kerf cutting means substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break oil and to fall, and means on the carriage tor simultaneously driving the cutters and the tread.

21. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage located beneath, within and at the rear 01" the machine, a caterpillar tread for the carriage, a bottom and a top endless chain kert cutter at the front 0]": the carriage and in fixed relation thereto, vertical keri' cutting means substan: tially connecting the top and bottom kerts to permit the coal to break oil and to tall, a conveyor on the carriage extending from near the bottom cutter for conveying away the fallen coal, and means on the carriage for simultaneously driving the cutters, conveyor, and the tread.

22. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage located beneath, within and at the rear of the machine, a caterpillar tread for the carriage, a bottom and a top endless chain kert' cutter and vertical cutting means substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs to permit the coal to break oil? and fall, a platform back of the bottom cutter to receive the fallen coal, a conveyor extending backwardly from the platform, and means on the carriage for simultaneously driving the cutters and the tread to keep the cutters to the work and to force the fallen coal from the platform on to the conveyor.

23. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage located beneath, within and at the rear of the machine, a cater pillar tread for the carriage, a bottom and a top endless chain kert cutter at the front oi the carriage, and in fixed relation thereto,

vertical kert cutting means subs llil connecting the top and bottom ker'ts to permit the coal to break off and to fall, a platform back of the bottom cutter to receive the fallen coal. a conveyor extending backthe platform on to the conveyor.

2- L coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, kerl' cutting mechanism comprising a rigid guide by and extending forwardly age at the top of the vein, a, cutter running in the guide, a gid supported by and extending h ru'ard from the carriage at the bott m of vein and a flexible cutter running therein, rigid vertical guides at each side carried b3." am 7 extending for "air i from the carria guides being in fixed position long on the frame, flexible cutters runn therein, and means for driving the cutie A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, ker'l cutting mcrlr anisni comprising a rigid guide supported by and extendin forwardly lrom the car riage at the top of the vein, and a flexible cutter running in the guide, a rigid guide L5 supported by and extending il'orv' iron the rarriage at the bottom of thc a flexible cutter running therein, 2, cal guides at each side cz'nv'ricd by and extending forwardly from the curri guides being in iixed position longitiu" on the frame, flexible cutters running therein, and means for driving the cutters, and means for advancing the r:iri-ia; c lo keep the cutters to the work. as

26. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, keri cutting mech anism comprising a rigid guide supported by and extending forwardly from the car riage at the top of the vein, and a flexible luu cutter running in the guide, means for raising and lowering the top guide for veins of different thicknesses, a ri id guide supported by and extending torwardly from the carriage at the bottom of the vein and a flexible cutter running therein, rigid vertical guides at each side carried by and e:'- tending forwardly from the carriage, cutters running in the vertical guideand means or driving the cutters.

27. A coal mining machine inrhuliug in combination a carriage, kerl cutting! mechanism comprising a rigid guide siuu orlml by and extending tor-weirdly from the curriage at the top of the vein, and a flexible cutter running in the guide, means for raising and lowering the top guide for veins o'l different thicknesses, a rigid guide supported by and extending forwardly from the carriage at the bottom of the vein and a flexible cutter running therein, rigid vertical guides at each side carried by and extending forwardly from the carriage, cutters running in the vertical guides a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit extending or contracting the vertical side guides to conform to the position of the top guide, and n'ieans for driving the cutters.

A coal n'iining machine including in llU combination a carriage, a horizontally disposed endless top kerf cutter frame mounted thereon, means for vertically raising and lowering the frame without disturbing its horizontal relation, comprising an elevating device between the carriage and frame, guides at each side of the elevating device, and cutter driving means at the rear end of the cutter frame.

29. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, a horizontally disposed endless top kerf cutter frame mounted 7 members at each side of the carriage, guides at each side of the elevating device, and cutter driving means at the rear end of the cutter frame.

31. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage, a horizontally disposed endless top kerf cutter frame mounted thereon, means for raising and lowering the frame, without disturbing its horizontal relation, comprising an elevating device between the carriage and frame, comprising screw rods at either side of the carriage, guides at each side of the elevating device, and cutter driving means at the rear end of the cutter frame.

32. A coal mining machine including in combination, a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical. guideway in fixed position longitudinally of the machine and making a lrerf substantially connecting the top and bottom cutters and having an endless chain cutter running therein, means for simultaneously driving the cutters and means simultaneously and gradually advancing the machine.

33. fr coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical guideway in fixed position longitudinally of the machine and making a kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom cutters and having an endless chain cutter running therein, means for simultaneously driving the cutters and Qultlly adrancing the machine and a motor simultaneously driving the cutters' and the machine advancing means.

35. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a v rtical guideway in fixed position longitudinally of the machine and making a herf substantially connecting the top and bottom cutters and having an endless chain cutter running therein, means for simultaneously driving the cutters and traction means resting upon the mine bottom simultaneously and gradually advancing the machine, and a motor simultaneously driving the traction advancing means and the cutters.

36. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical guideway in fixed position longitudinally of the machine and making a kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom outters and having an endless chain cutter running therein, means for simultaneously driving the cutters and means simultaneously and gradually advancing the machine, and a. cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit varying the.

vertical distance between the top and bottom cutters while maintaining the driving connections therefor. W

37. A. coal mining machine including in combination co crating kerf cutters positioned to out below, above and at the side of a block of coal, a platform at the rear of. the machine, motor on the platform, a caterpillar tread for advancing the machine and pressing the cutters to the work, and

driving connections at tie rear of the machine between the motor and tread.

38. A coal mining machine including in combination cooperating kerf cutters positioned to out below, above and at the side of a block of coal, a drive of the entire machine keeping a forward working pressure on the cutters and means for varying the distance between the top and bottom cutters,

and driving means for the kerf cutters located at the rear end thereof.

39. A coal mining machine including in combination cooperating kerf cutters positioned to cut below, above and at the side of a block of coal, and a caterpillar tread located to the rear of, and transversely narrower than the top and bottom kerfs for advancing the machine and pressing the cut-- ters to the work and means for varying the distance between the top and bottom cutters.

40. A coal mining machine including in combination cooperating kerf cutters positioned to out below, above and at the side of a block of coal, and a forward drive for the entire machine keeping working pressure on the cutters and means for varying the distance between the top and bottom outters, and a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit varying the vertical length of cut of the side cutter to substantially connect the kerfs made by the top and bottom cutters.

41. A coal mining machine including in combination cooperating kerf cutters positioned to cut below, above and at the side of a block of coal, a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit varying the vertical length of cut of the side cutter to substantially connect the kerfs made by the top and bottom cutters, and driving means for the machine located at its rear and within the width of the horizontal kerfs.

42. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guidway and an endless chain cutter runningtherein, a horizontal bottom guidcway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical guideway at the side of the machine and substantially connecting with the top and bottom cutters and having an endless chain running therein, means for changing the distance between the top and bottom cutter guides, and a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit extending the length of cut of the vertical cutter to subst-antially connect the top and bottom kerfs irrespective of such changes in position of the top and bottom guides.

43. A. coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guide-way and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical guidewayatthe side of the machine and substantially connecting with the top and bottom cutters and having an endless chain cutter running therein, means for changing the distance between the top and bottom eutter guides, and a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit extending the length of cut of the vertical cutter to substantially connect the top and bottom kerfs irrespective ofsuch changes in position of the top and bottom guides, and means for pressing the cutters to the work.

44. A coal mining machine including in combination top, bottom and side cutter guides mounted in fixed relation to the machine, cutters running therein, and means for varying the distance between the top and bottom guides and a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit correspondingly varying the length of cut of the side cutter to maintain the three kerfs in cooperative relationship, and traction meanstraveling the entire machine forward the press the cutters to the work.

45. A coal mining machine including in combination top, bottom and side cutter guides mounted in fixed relation to the machine, cutters running therein and means for arying the distance between the top and bottom cutter guides and a cutter guide frame and interchangeable sections therefor to permit correspoudiugly varying the length of cut of the side cutter to maintain the three kerfs of such dimensions and in such positions as to substantially join, and friction tread means located at the rear of. within and beneath the machine and traveling the entire machine forward to press the cutters to the work.

4(S. A coal mining machine including in combination a carriage traveling on the mine bottom, horizontal flat bottom and top guides mounted on and extending forwardly from the carriage and with their fronts in substantially the same vertical plane, endless ehain kerf cutters running therein. means for vertically raising and lowering the top guide and cutter to operate at the top of veins of different thicknesses and means adjustable for making a vertical side kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs irrespective of their distance apart.

47. A coal mining machine, including in combination a. motor, a carriage bearing the motor, a tread beneath, at the rear of and narrower than the carriage, a flat bottom guide extending forwardly from the carriage, a flat horizontal top guide extending forwardly from the carriage, flexible chain cutters running in said guides, means for raising and lowering the top guide and cutter for veins of'diiferent heights anda side cutter making a kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs and extensible for variations in the height of the top cutter.

48. A coal mining machine, including in combination a motor, a carriage bearing the motor, a tread beneath, at the rear of and narrower than the carriage, a Hat bottom guide extending forwardly from the carriage, a flat horizontal top guide extending forwardly from the cariage, flexible chain cutters running in said guides, a side cutter making a kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs, and a conveyor between the cutters and running backwardly on the carriage.

49. A coalmining machine including in combination cooperating kerf cutters positioned to out below, above and at the side of a block of coal, a platform at the rear of the machine, a motor thereon, and a flat traction tread drive for the entire machine extending beneath said platform and within the width and at the rear of the cutters.

50. A coal mining machine. including in combination cooperating kerf cutters in fixed relation with each other longitudinally of the machine, and positioned to cut below, above and at the side of a block of coal, a platform at the rear of the machine, a motor thereon, and a flat traction tread drive for the entire machine located beneath the platform.

51. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical guideway in fixed position at the side of the machine and having an endless chain cutter running therein, and a flat traction tread drive for the machine resting upon the mine bottom and located at the rear of the machine and advancing the machine and pressing the cutters to the work.

52. A coal mining machine including in combination a horizontal top guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a horizontal bottom guideway and an endless chain cutter running therein, a vertical guideway at the side of the machine and having an endless chain cutter running therein, and a flat traction tread drive for the machine resting upon the mine bottom and located at the rear of the machine and advancing the machine and pressing the cutters to the work, and driving means: for the chains located at the rear ends of the guideways.

53. A coal mining machine including in combination top, bottom and side cutter guides mounted in fixed relation to the machine, cutters running therein, and a flat traction tread located beneath and at the rear, and driving the entire machine forward to press the cutters to the work.

54:. A coal mining machine including in combination top, bottom and side cutter guides mounted in fixed relation to the machine, cutters running therein, and flat endless traction tread means located at the rear of, within and beneath the machine and traveling the entire machine forward to press all the cutters to the work.

55. A coal mining machine, including in combination a motor, a carriage bearing the motor, a fiat, endless traction tread beneath, at the rear of and narrower than the carriage, a. flat bottom guide extending forwardly from the carriage, a flat horizontal top guide extending forwardly from the carriage, flexible chain cutters running in said guides, and a side cutter making a kerf substantially connecting the top and bottom kerfs.

56. A coal mining machine including in combination a machine frame, a horizontally disposed top kerf cutting chain, a horizontally disposed bottom kerf cutting chain, a vertically disposed side kerf cutting chain coperating therewith, guideways for the cutting chains mounted in fixed position longitudinally of the frame, a motor on the frame, an endless traction tread at the rear of and beneath the frame and engaging directly with the floor to drive the frame forward and thereby to press the cutting chains to the work, and driving connections from the motor to the cutting chains and to the tread.

57. A coal mining machine including in combination a machine frame, a horizontally disposed top kerf cutting chain, a horizontally disposed bottom kerf cutting chain, a vertically disposed side kerf cutting chain cooperating therewith, guideways for the cutting chains mounted in fixed position longitudinally of the frame, means for changing the vertical position of the top kerf cutting chain, and means whereby the side cutter chain is correspondingly changed, a motor on the frame, an endless traction tread at the rear of and beneath the frame and engaging directly with the floor to drive the frame forward and there by to press the cutting chains to the work, and driving connections from the motor to the cutting chains and to the tread.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

RICHARD PEALE. 

